Enrollment desk

Enroll

Real enrollment happens on Medicare.gov or at 1-800-MEDICARE. ThriftMeds is for choosing with a clean list—then handing that list to the official door.

Annual Enrollment has not opened yet. The next AEP is October 15–December 7, 2026. Extra Help, a move, or new Medicare may let you enroll sooner.

Official path

Enroll with Medicare

Medicare.gov will ask for your ZIP, medications, and pharmacy, then let you enroll in a Part D or Medicare Advantage plan. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) if you would rather do it by phone.

ZIP for Medicare.gov

Practice path

Compare here, then mark a demo enrollment

Search plans for your ZIP, open a card, and use Enroll on the dashboard. That updates this browser only. It does not file with CMS. Current demo status: not started.

Checklist

What to have in hand

Check items off as you gather them. 0 of 5 ready.

Medicare number (MBI) from your red-white-and-blue card
List of medications, doses, and how often you fill them
The pharmacy you actually use
Extra Help or Medicaid letter, if you have one
Plan name you want, plus the contract and plan IDs from compare

AEP

October 15–December 7

For most people already on Medicare. Coverage starts January 1.

Extra Help SEP

Change once a quarter

Extra Help usually lets you change drug plans once per quarter in the first three quarters, plus during AEP.

New to Medicare

Seven months around 65

Your Initial Enrollment Period is the seven months around your 65th birthday month.

Read the enrollment calendar →